Method of producing pyrrolidine derivatives

ABSTRACT

A method for producing pyrrolidine derivatives such as 3,4-epoxypyrrolodines, 3-pyrrolidols and the like, by oxidizing 3-pyrrolines with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid is disclosed. The 3-pyrrolines are produced by deriving cis-2-butene compounds from cis-2-butene-1,4-diols and performing a cyclization between the cis-2-butene derivatives and at least one primary amine. The method may be performed as a one-pot synthesis and may be performed as a continuous reaction.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/390,160, filed Sep. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,338.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods of producing pyrrolidine derivatives. The purpose of the invention is to provide simple and efficient industrial production of pyrrolidine derivatives such as epoxypyrrolidines, pyrrolidinols, and the like. These pyrrolidine derivatives are important and useful synthetic intermediates for pharmaceuticals, and can be transformed to several kinds of pyrrolidine derivatives.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are a few examples of forming 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines having formula (2) by epoxidizing the C═C double bond in 3-pyrrolines having formula (3). U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,274 discloses the use of trifluoroperacetic acid; Tetrahedron Letters 36, 1621 (1995) and Tetrahedron Letters 39, 8885 (1998), J. Org. Chem. 60, 398 (1995) disclose the use of m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid) and Tetrahedron Letters 37, 3255 (1996) discloses the use of dioxiranes. All of these methods have the following problems: (1) highly dangerous peroxides are used in the reaction, (2) the processes of producing these peroxides are very complex and involve reagents which are hard to use in the industrial methods (e.g. 90% H₂O₂), (3) in the group at the 1-position of 3-pyrrolines having formula (3), R¹, is limited to the less basic compounds (such as amides, carbamates, and sulfamides) than ordinary cyclic amines (such as t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), p-toluenesulfonyl (Ts), and benzoyl (Bz) groups). This is why by-products of 3-pyrroline N-oxides are obtained selectively from ordinary cyclic amines with alkyl, aryl, and/or aralkyl groups at the 1-position of 3-pyrrolines.

On the other hand, there are a few examples in which epoxidation of basic 3-pyrrolines is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,718 discloses the formation of 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines via chlorohydrins, from 3-pyrrolines using aqueous HCl and Cl₂ gas. Epoxidation of 3-pyrrolines using CH₃CN and H₂O₂ is disclosed in J. Org. Chem. 47, 5196 (1982), and J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 293 (1995) discloses the use of BF₃/OEt₂. Unfortunately, 3,4-dichloropyrrolidine by-products are formed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,718, and pyrrole by-products are formed in J. Org. Chem. 47, 5196 (1982). In the case of J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 293 (1995), both BF₃/OEt₂ and dioxiranes are expensive and are difficult to use from the point of industrialization.

Therefore, these kinds of the oxidation reactions without limitation of substituents on nitrogen, and without production of by-products are unknown. Needless to say, nothing in the above reactions is useful for persulfates to be accelerated by irradiation.

Examples of the synthesis of 3-pyrrolidinols having formula (1) from 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines having formula (2) are found in Tetrahedron Letters 35, 7099 (1994), Tetrahedron Letters 39, 8885 (1998), J. Org. Chem 47, 5196 (1982), J. Org. Chem 60, 398 (1995) (by hydrolysis), and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,135 and German Patent No. 3,906,365 (by alcoholysis and aminolysis). These methods have the following disadvantages: (1) the synthesized 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines must be subjected to several isolation processes including distillation, crystallization, etc. to derivatize 3-pyrrolidinols, (2) total yields are low, (3) operation is inconvenient and costs are high.

(4) There is no known one-pot synthesis of 3-pyrrolidinols having formula (1) from 3-pyrrolines having formula (3).

One-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidines from 3-pyrroline compounds is disclosed by J. Org. Chem. 60, 398 (1995), Tetrahedron Letters 35, 7099 (1998), and Tetrahedron Letters 28, 535 (1987) in which N-methylmorpholine N-oxides are used in the presence of osmium tetroxide (OsO₄) or potassium permanganate (KMnO₄). However, these methods have the following problems: (1) they are only available for the synthesis of cis-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidines, (2) waste liquid, including oxidizing reagents of osmium tetroxide (OsO₄) and potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) can cause problems under certain circumstances.

There are a few examples of the synthesis of 3-pyrrolines having formula (3) with cyclization between cis-2-butene derivatives having formula (7) and primary amines having formula (8). In U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,274 cis-1,4-dichloro-2-butene (R⁸═R⁹=H; A¹═A²=Cl) is used as a starting material. In Syn. Commun. 20, 227 (1990), cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethanesulfonylate (R⁸═R⁹=H, A¹═A²=OSO₂CH₃) is used as starting material. These methods have the following problems: (1) cis-1,4-dichloro-2-butene (R⁸═R⁹=H; A¹═A²=Cl) is not only hard to produce industrially at low cost, but it is also a carcinogen, (2) cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethanesulfonylate (R⁸═R⁹=H; A¹═A²=OSO₂CH₃) is unstable in the air and decomposes metals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel method of preparing pyrrolidine derivatives such as 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines, 3-pyrrolidinols, and the like, in a novel, simple and efficient procedure.

The invention provides a one-pot synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives such as 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines, 3-pyrrolidinols from 3-pyrrolines by oxidation with a peroxide in the presence of an acid. These pyrrolidine compounds are important and useful synthetic intermediates for synthesis of pharmaceuticals, and can be transformed into several kinds of pyrrolidine derivatives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method for preparing pyrrolidine derivatives such as 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines, 3-pyrrolidinols and the like, by reacting 3-pyrrolines with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid. Oxidation of the 3-pyrrolines having formula (3) may be accelerated using ultraviolet irradiation, if desired.

The 3-pyrrolidinols are of formula (1):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen (H), a halogen, a cyano group (CN), a nitro group (NO₂), a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), a carboxyl group (CO₂H), an alkoxycarbonyl group (CO₂R), an acyl group (COR), a carbamoyl group (H₂NCO), a sulfide group (SH, or SR), a sulfinyl group (SOR), a sulfonyl group (SO₂R), a sulfamide group (SO₂NRR′), or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted, R² and R³ represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted, and Nu is a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), or an amino group (NRR′) which can be optionally substituted. Optionally, there may be functional groups on the nitrogen atom and/or pyrrolidine ring.

The 3-pyrrolidinols include, but are not limited to, 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidines, such as 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, 1-methyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, 1-cyclohexyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, 1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, 2-[3-chloro-4-(3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-dihydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate, and the like.

Specific examples of 3-pyrrolidinols include, but are not limited to, 4-amino-3-pyrrolidinols such as 4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-methyl-4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-cyclohexyl-4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-benzyl-4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-phenyl-4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-amino-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-amino-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate; 4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinols such as 4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-methyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-cyclohexyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-benzyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-phenyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol, 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-benzylamino-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-benzylamino-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate, and the like; 4-alkoxy-3-pyrrolidinols such as 4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-methyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-cyclohexyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-benzyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, 1-phenyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-methoxy-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-(4-methoxy-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate, and the like.

The 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines are of the formula (2):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen (H), a halogen, a cyano group (CN), a nitro group (NO₂), a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), a carboxyl group (CO₂H), an alkoxycarbonyl group (CO₂R), an acyl group (COR), a carbamoyl group (H₂NCO), a sulfide group (SH, or SR), a sulfinyl group (SOR), a sulfonyl group (SO₂R), a sulfamide group (SO₂NRR′), or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted; R² and R³ each represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted. Optionally, there may be functional groups on the nitrogen atom and/or pyrrolidine ring.

The 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines include, but are not limited to 3,4-epoxypyrrolidine, 1-methyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine, 1-cyclohexyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine, 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine, 1-phenyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine, 2-[3-chloro-4-(3,4-epoxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-(3,4-epoxypyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate, and the like.

The 3-pyrrolines are of formula (3):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen (H), a halogen, a cyano group (CN), a nitro group (NO₂), a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), a carboxyl group (CO₂H), an alkoxycarbonyl group (CO₂R), an acyl group (COR), a carbamoyl group (H₂NCO), a sulfide group (SH, or SR), a sulfinyl group (SOR), a sulfonyl group (SO₂R), a sulfamide group (SO₂NRR′), or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted; R² and R³ each represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted. Optionally, there may be functional groups on the nitrogen atom and/or pyrrolidine ring. The 3-pyrrolines include, but are not limited to 3-pyrroline, 1-methyl-3-pyrroline, 1-ethyl-3-pyrroline, 1-propyl-3-pyrroline, 1-cyclohexyl-3-pyrroline, 1-trichloromethyl-3-pyrroline, 1-phenyl-3-pyrroline, 1-tolyl-3-pyrroline, 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 2-[3-chloro-4-(3-pyrrolin-1-yl)phenyl]propionic acid, methyl 2-[3-chloro-4-(3-pyrrolin-1-yl)phenyl]propionate, and the like. Of these compounds, 3-pyrroline, 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 1-cyclohexyl-3-pyrroline are preferred. Most preferred are 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline and 1-cyclohexyl-3-pyrroline.

Preferable acids in the oxidation process of 3-pyrrolines are compounds whose formula contains a sulfur atom (S), such as sulfuric acid or sulfonic acids having formula (11). Formula (11) is represented by:

R¹⁴SO₃H  (11)

wherein R¹⁴ represents a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted by a halogen, a cyano group (CN), a nitro group (NO₂), a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), a silyl group (SiR₃), a carboxyl group (CO₂H), an alkoxycarbonyl group (CO₂R), and/or an acyl group (COR).

These sulfonic acids having formula (11) can be classified under four sulfonic acids: alkylsulfonic acids, cycloalkylsulfonic acids, arylsulfonic acids, and aralkylsulfonic acids. Suitable alkylsulfonic acids include, but are not limited to methanesulfonic acids, trifluoromethanesulfonic acids, trichloromethanesulfonic acids, ethanesulfonic acids, and the like. Suitable cycloalkylsulfonic acids include, but are not limited to, cyclopropanesulfonic acids, cyclohexanesulfonic acids, and the like. Suitable arylsulfonic acids include, but are not limited to, benzenesulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-fluorobenzenesulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-nitrobenzenesulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-cyanobenzenesulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-toluenesulfonic acids, mesitylenesulfonic acids, naphthalenesulfonic acids, and the like. Suitable aralkylsulfonic acids include, but are not limited to, benzylsulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-fluorobenzylsulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-chlorobenzylsulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-nitrobenzylsulfonic acids, o-, m-, p-cyanobenzylsulfonic acids, and the like.

Of these compounds, sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acids, benzenesulfonic acids, p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acids are preferred. In particular, sulfuric acid is most preferably used.

The preferable amount of acid used is in the range of about 1.0-3.0 mole acid to about 1.0 moles 3-pyrrolines having formula (3) can be used efficiently and economically. Peroxides used in the oxidation of the 3-pyrrolines of formula (3) may be peroxymonosulfuric acids, or their salts (peroxymonosulfates) having formula (4), peroxydisulfuric acids, or their salts (peroxydisulfates) having formula (5). Formula (4) is represented by:

M_(x)H_(y)(SO₅)_(z)  (4)

wherein M is an alkali metal (1A in the periodic table), an alkaline earth metal (2A in the periodic table), an element from 3A in the periodic table, or an ammonium group having formula (6), and each of x, y, and z can be represented numerically (0-3) provided the relation x+y=2z is satisfied. Formula (5) is represented by:

M_(x)H_(y)(S₂O₈)_(z)  (5)

where M is an alkali metal (1A in the periodic table), an alkaline earth metal (2A in the periodic table), an element from 3A in the periodic table, or an ammonium group having formula (6), and each of x, y, and z can be represented numerically (0-3) provided the relation x+y=2z is satisfied. Formula (6) is represented by:

wherein R⁴-R⁷ represent hydrogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. Peroxymonosulfuric acid, salts (peroxymonosulfates) or peroxydisulfuric acid, salts (peroxydisulfates) are preferable.

Metal peroxymonosulfates include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxymonosulfate (Na₂SO₅), potassium peroxymonosulfate (K₂SO₅), barium peroxymonosulfate (BaSO₅), rubidium peroxymonosulfate (RbSO₅), and the like.

Metal peroxyhydrogenmonosulfates include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate (NaHSO₅), potassium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate (KHSO₅), and the like.

Ammonium peroxymonosulfates include, but are not limited to, ammonium peroxymonosulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₅), tetramethylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((Me₄N)₂SO₅), tetraethylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((Et4N)₂SO₅), tetrapropylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((Pr₄N)₂SO₅), tetrabutylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((Bu₄N)₂SO₅), tetrahexylammonium peroxymonosulfate, tetradecylammonium peroxymonosulfate, tetralaurylammonium peroxymonosulfate, tetrabenzylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((Bn₄N₂SO₅), benzyltrimethylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((BnMe₃N)₂SO₅), benzyltriethylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((BnEt₃N)₂SO₅), benzyltributylammonium peroxymonosulfate ((BnBu₃N)₂SO₅), lauryltrimethylammonium peroxymonosulfate, lauryltriethylammonium peroxymonosulfate, and the like.

Ammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfates include, but are not limited to, ammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((NH₄)HSO₅), tetramethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((Me₄N)HSO₅), tetraethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((Et₄N)HSO₅), tetrapropylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((Pr₄N)HSO₅), tetrabutylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((Bu₄N)HSO₅), tetrahexylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate, tetradecylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate, tetralaurylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate, tetrabenzylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate (Bn₄N)HSO₅), benzyltrimethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((BnMe₃N)HSO₅), benzyltriethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((BnEt₃N)HSO₅), benzyltributylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate ((BnBu₃N)HSO₅), lauryltrimethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate, lauryltriethylammonium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate, and the like.

Metal peroxydisulfates include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxydisulfate (Na₂S₂O₈), potassium peroxydisulfate (K₂S₂O₈), barium peroxydisulfate (BaS₂O₈), rubidium peroxydisulfate (RbS₂O₈), and the like.

Metal peroxyhydrogendisulfates include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxyhydrogendisulfate (NaHS₂O₈), potassium peroxyhydrogendisulfate (KHS₂O₈), and the like.

Ammonium peroxydisulfates include, but are not limited to, ammonium peroxydisulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈), tetramethylammonium peroxydisulfate ((Me₄N)₂S₂O₈), tetraethylammonium peroxydisulfate ((Et₄N)₂S₂O₈), tetrapropylammonium peroxydisulfate ((Pr₄N)₂S₂O₈), tetrabutylammonium peroxydisulfate ((Bu₄N)₂S₂O₈), tetrahexylammonium peroxydisulfate, tetradecylammonium peroxydisulfate, tetralaurylammonium peroxydisulfate, tetrabenzylammonium peroxydisulfate ((Bn₄N₂S₂O₈), benzyltrimethylammonium peroxydisulfate ((BnMe₃N₂SO₅), benzyltriethylammonium peroxydisulfate ((BnEt₃N)₂S₂O₈), benzyltributylammonium peroxydisulfate ((BnBu₃N)₂S₂O₈), lauryltrimethylammonium peroxydisulfate, lauryltriethylammonium peroxydisulfate, and the like.

Ammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfates include, but are not limited to, ammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((NH₄)HS₂O₈), tetramethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((Me₄N)HS₂O₈), tetraethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((Et₄N)HS₂O₈), tetrapropylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((Pr₄N)HS₂O₈), tetrabutylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((Bu₄N)HS₂O₈), tetrahexylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate, tetradecylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate, tetralaurylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate, tetrabenzylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((Bn₄N)HS₂O₈), benzyltrimethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((BnMe₃N)HS₂O₈), benzyltriethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((BnEt₃N)HS₂O₈), benzyltributylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate ((BnBu₃N)HS₂O₈), lauryltrimethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate, lauryltriethylammonium peroxyhydrogendisulfate, and the like.

The preferable peroxymonosulfate is potassium peroxyhydrogenmonosulfate (KHSO₅) Sodium peroxydisulfate (Na₂S₂O₈) and/or ammonium peroxydisulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈) are the preferred peroxydisulfates. The oxidation can be performed either with peroxysulfates alone or with a peroxysulfate mixture. For example, suitable peroxides include OXONE (produced by DuPont), which is a mixture of KHSO₅/KHSO₄/K₂SO₄=2/1/1, stabilized by mixing inorganic compounds deactivated for explosion. Suitable amounts of peroxides are in the range of about 1.0-2.0 moles of peroxides to 1.0 mole of 3-pyrrolines having formula (3) and can be preferably used efficiently and economically.

The substituent group Nu in formula (1) derives from nucleophiles of water, alcohols, amines, and the like. Alcohols include, but are not limited to, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), propanol (PrOH), butanol (BuOH), hexanol, cyclohexanol, phenol (PhOH), chlorophenol, dichlorophenol, trichlorophenol, catechol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and the like.

Amines include, but are not limited to, ammonia (NH₃), methylamine (MeNH₂), ethylamine (EtNH₂), propylamine (PrNH₂), butylamine (BuNH₂), cyclohexylamine, allylamine, homoallylamine, benzylamine (BnNH₂), aniline (PhNH₂), chloroaniline, bromoaniline, o-, m-, p-toluidine, dimethylamine (Me₂NH), diethylamine (Et₂NH), dipropylamine (Pr₂NH), dibutylamine (Bu₂NH), dicyclohexylamine, diallylamine, bis(homoallyl)amine, dibenzylamine (Bn₂NH), N-methylaniline, N-methylchloroaniline, N-methylbromoaniline, benzylmethylamine (BnMeNH), and the like. Preferable nucleophiles include water, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, allylamine, cyclohexylamine, and benzylamine.

These nucleophiles can be added to the solution either before or after oxidation, so that the one-pot procedure may proceed continuously without isolating the intermediates to obtain the corresponding products, 3-pyrrolidinols. In the case of preparing 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines having formula (2), these nucleophiles are not necessary, and can be used as inactive solvents by controlling the reaction temperature.

If desired, the oxidation of 3-pyrrolines having formula (3) may be accelerated using ultraviolet light. Lamps with wave length from the ultraviolet to the visible light range (200 nm-400 nm) can be selected for the irradiation of 3-pyrrolines. For example, such lamps include an Argon Resonance Lamp, a Flash UV (Ultra Violet) Lamp, an Ultra High Pressure Hg (mercury) Lamp, a High Pressure Hg (mercury) Lamp, a Low Pressure Hg (mercury) Lamp, a Deuterium Lamp, a Xe (xenon) Lamp, a W (tungsten) Lamp, a Metal Halide Lamp, and the like. In particular, a High Pressure Hg (mercury) Lamp and a Xe (xenon) Lamp are preferable.

Although the use of these lamps is able to accelerate oxidation of 3-pyrrolines having formula (3), the reaction system can be changed freely by changing the irradiation time, the irradiation strength or by omitting the irradiation.

The reaction solvents may be freely selected in the oxidation process. For example, suitable reaction solvents include, but are not limited to, water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone, methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and the like. Either only one kind of solvent may be used, or mixtures of solvents may be used. Alternatively, the solvents can be omitted. With regard to combining the above solvents with the nucleophiles from which substituent group Nu in formula (1) derives, they can be made active and/or inactive by controlling the reaction temperature.

The reaction temperature will depend on the time required for completing the oxidation. In general, the reaction may be conducted at about 0-100° C. In particular, the reaction temperature is about 0-30° C. for obtaining 3,4-epoxypyrrolidines and is about 30-100° C. for obtaining 3-pyrrolidinols.

3-pyrrolines having formula (3) may be produced by reacting cis-2-butene derivatives having formula (7) with at least one primary amine having formula (8). This reaction allows cyclization of cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7) and the formation of 3-pyrrolines of formula (3). Cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7) may be produced from cis-2-butene-1,4-diols of formula (9) by reacting the cis-2-butene-1,4-diols of formula (9) with a halogenation reagent in the presence of at least one base.

The substituent groups R¹⁰ in the primary amines of formula (8):

R¹⁰—NH₂  (8)

which are used for preparing 3-pyrrolines, include, but are not limited to, alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, n-, iso-propyl, n-, i-, t-butyl, trifluoromethyl, and the like; cycloalkyl groups, such as cyclohexyl and the like; alkenyl groups, such as vinyl, allyl, methallyl, homoallyl, and the like; aryl groups, such as phenyl, fluorophenyl, difluorophenyl, trifluorophenyl, chlorophenyl, dichlorophenyl, trichlorophenyl, bromophenyl, dibromophenyl, tribromophenyl, nitrophenyl, dinitrophenyl, trinitrophenyl, cyanophenyl, dicyanophenyl, tricyanophenyl, tolyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, naphthyl, and the like; and aralkyl groups, such as benzyl, phenylethyl, phenethyl, naphthylmethyl, 1-, 2-phenylvinyl, and the like.

Primary amines include, but are not limited to, methylamine, ethylamine, n-, i-propylamine, n-, i-, t-butylamine, cyclohexylamine, allylamine, allylamine, homoallylamine, benzylamine, aniline, chloroaniline, bromoaniline, toluidine and the like. Of the suitable primary amines, cyclohexylamine, benzylamine, and aniline are preferable. Suitable amounts of amines are in the range of about 3.0-5.0 moles amines to 1.0 mole of cis-2-butene derivatives having formula (7) and can be preferably used efficiently and economically.

Bases used for preparing cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7) from cis-2-butene-1,4-diols of formula (9), can be selected freely unless these would react with the starting materials. Formula (7) is represented by:

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are independently hydrogen (H) or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted, A¹ and A² are independently halogens or sulfonyloxy groups. Formula (9) is represented by:

wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are independently hydrogen (H) or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted. Tertiary amines are the preferred bases. Tertiary amines include, but are not limited to, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, tribenzylamine, N, N′-dimethylaniline, N, N′-dimethyltoluidine, pyridine, 4-(N, N′-dimethylamino)pyridine, and the like. Preferably, the amount of bases used is in the range of about 2.0-3.0 moles of base to 1.0 mole of cis-2-butene-1,4-diols of formula (9). More preferably the amount of base used is in the range of about 2.0-2.2 moles of base and can be used efficiently and economically.

The substituent group, A³, in the sulfonyl halides of formula (10) which are used as halogenation reagents in the first process include halogens such as Cl, Br, and I. Formula (10) is represented by:

R¹³SO₂A³  (10)

wherein R¹³ represents a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group optionally substituted; and A³ is a halogen. In particular, sulfonyl chlorides are preferable.

The substituent groups R¹³ in the sulfonyl halides, which are used for preparing cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7) or 3-pyrrolines of formula (3), include, but are not limited to alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, n-, iso-propyl, n-, i-, t-butyl, trifluoromethyl, and the like; cycloalkyl groups, such as cyclohexyl and the like; alkenyl groups, such as vinyl, allyl, methallyl, homoallyl, and the like; aryl groups, such as phenyl, fluorophenyl, difluorophenyl, trifluorophenyl, chlorophenyl, dichlorophenyl, trichlorophenyl, bromophenyl, dibromophenyl, tribromophenyl, nitrophenyl, dinitrophenyl, trinitrophenyl, cyanophenyl, dicyanophenyl, tricyanophenyl, tolyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, naphthyl, and the like; and aralkyl groups, such as benzyl, phenylethyl, phenethyl, naphthylmethyl, 1-, 2-phenylvinyl, and the like.

The sulfonyl chlorides include, but are not limited to, methanesulfonyl chloride, ethanesulfonyl chloride, n-, i-propanesulfonyl chloride, n-, i-, t-butanesulfonyl chloride, cyclohexanesulfonyl chloride, trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride, benzenesulfonyl chloride, o-, m-, p-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride, o-, m- p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, benzylsulfonyl chloride, and the like. Of the suitable sulfonyl chlorides, methanesulfonyl chloride, benzenesulfonyl chloride, and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride are preferable.

The amount of sulfonyl halides used is in the range of about 2.0-3.0 moles of base to 1.0 mole cis-2-butene-1,4-diols of formula (9). Preferably, the amount is about 2.0-2.2 moles of sulfonyl halides is used for efficiency and economy.

In the case where the following two processes:

(A) derivation of cis-2-butene compounds from cis-2-butene-1,4-diols having formula (9) and

(B) cyclization between cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7) and primary amines of formula (8)

are performed in a continuous process, without isolating cis-2-butene derivatives about 2.0 moles of sulfonyl halides is preferably used to prevent side reactions between excess sulfonyl halides and primary amines.

Reaction solvents may be selected freely in the preparation process of cis-2-butene derivatives or 3-pyrrolines. For example, acetone, methylethylkotone, methylisobutylketone, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, and the like are suitable reaction solvents. Either one kind of solvent, mixtures thereof, or no solvents can be used.

In the case where the two processes (A) and (B) are continuously conducted without isolating cis-2-butene derivatives of formula (7), the same solvent can be used through several processes.

The temperature depends on the time for completing this cyclization reaction. Generally, the temperature is about 0 to 15° C. when sulfonyl halides of formula (10) are added to the reaction mixture. Following addition of the sulfonyl halides, the reaction may be performed at about ambient temperature to 60° C. with stirring of the solution. Although the temperature in the second stage depends on the reactivity of primary amines of formula (8), the temperature range may be about room temperature to about 100° C.

With regard to the operation of reaction mixture after completion and the isolation of products, the two processes of the previous stage can be conducted to the next stage continuously without isolating intermediates. If one needs to isolate the products (intermediates), one has only to conduct simple operations such as filtration, extraction, and so on. “Conducting the two processes of the previous stage to the next stage continuously without isolating intermediates” refers to a one-pot reaction, advancing to the next reaction without transferring the solution to the another reactor. For example, if the cis-2-butene derivative solution contains the following compounds,

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are independently hydrogen (H) or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group which can be optionally substituted; R¹³ represents a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group optionally substituted; and A³ is a halogen, or if the oxidation solution contains the following two compounds:

wherein R¹ is hydrogen (H), a halogen, a cyano group (CN), a nitro group (NO₂), a hydroxyl group (OH), an alkoxyl group (OR), a carboxyl group (CO₂H), an alkoxycarbonyl group (CO₂R), an acyl group (COR), a carbomyl group (H₂NCO), a sulfide group (SH, or SR), a sulfinyl group (SOR), a sulfonyl group (SO₂R), a sulfamide group (SO₂NRR′, or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, optionally substituted; R² and R³ each independently represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group, optionally substituted, and Nu is a hydroxyl group (OH), alkoxyl group (OR), or amino group (NRR′) optionally substituted, we can conduct the solution to the next stage continuously without isolating intermediates.

Processing after continuous reaction only involves simple operations such as filtration, extraction, and so on. For example, the following methods may be freely selected: (1) after direct addition and reaction of primary amines to the solution Process (A), both tertiary amine salts and primary amine salts are removed; (2) after removing tertiary amine salts from the solution Process (A), the addition and reaction of primary amines is performed followed by removal of primary amine salts.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Example 1 Preparation of the cis-2-Butene Derivative

In a round-flask reactor containing a solution of 35.4 g (0.4mol) of cis-2-butene-1,4-diol, 83.8 g (0.8 mol) of triethylamine, and 416.6 g of ethyl acetate, methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. 60.0 g of residue was obtained, of which the ratio of cis-1,4-dichloro-2-butene:cis-4-chloro-2-butene-1-ol methanesulfonylate:cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethanesulfonylate was 5:4:1.

Example 2 1-Benzyl-3-pyrroline

To a solution of 60.0 g of the cis-2-butene derivative solution prepared in Example 1 and 250 g of toluene in a round flask reactor, 171.7 g (1.6 mol) of benzylamine was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at ambient temperature. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 57.0 g of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline (yield 89.5%) was obtained.

Example 3 1-Butyl-3-pyrroline

To a solution of 60.0 g of the cis-2-butene derivative solution prepared in Example 1 and 250 g of toluene in a round flask reactor, 117.0 g (1.6 mol) of butylamine was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 46.1 g of 1-butyl-3-pyrroline (yield 92.0%) was obtained.

Example 4 1-Phenyl-3-pyrroline

To a solution of 60.0 g of the cis-2-butene derivative solution prepared in Example 1 and 250 g of toluene in a round flask reactor, 149.0 g (1.6 mol) of aniline was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at 50° C. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 52.2 g of 1-phenyl-3-pyrroline (yield 90.0%) was obtained.

Example 5 1-Tolyl-3-pyrroline

To a solution of 60.0 g of the cis-2-butene derivative solution prepared in Example 1 and 250 g of toluene in a round flask reactor, 171.7 g (1.6 mol) of toluidine was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at 50° C. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 56.8 g of 1-tolyl-3-pyrroline (yield 89.2%) was obtained.

The results in the cyclization to 3-pyrrolines from Examples 2 to 5 are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Cyclization to 3-pyrrolines. No. amines products yields 2

89.5% 3

92.0% 4

90.0% 5

89.2%

Example 6 1-Benzyl-3-pyrroline (One-pot Reaction)

To a solution containing 35.4 g (0.4 mol) of cis-2-butene-1,4-diol, 83.8 g (0.8 mol) of triethylamine, and 416.6 g of ethyl acetate in a round flask reactor, methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After addition, the mixture was allowed to react with stirring for 2 hours at room temperature. To the mixture, 171.7 g (1.6 mol) of benzylamine was added continuously dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at ambient temperature. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 52.2 g of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline (yield 82.0%) was obtained.

Example 7 1-Benzyl-3-methyl-3-pyrroline (One-pot Reaction)

To a solution containing 40.8 g (0.4 mol) of E-2-methyl-2-butene-1,4-diol, 83.8 g (0.8 mol) of triethylamine, and 416.6 g of ethyl acetate in a round flask reactor, methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After addition, the mixture was allowed to react with stirring for 2 hours at room temperature. To the mixture, 171.7 g (1.6 mol) of benzylamine was added continuously dropwise with stirring for 30 min. at ambient temperature. After 2 hours of stirring, the crystallized solid was removed by filtration; 42.0 g of 35% HCl (aq) was added to the filtrate, and then excess benzylamine hydrochloride was removed by filtration or extraction. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 54.2 g of 1-benzyl-3-methyl-3-pyrroline (yield 78.2%) was obtained.

The results in the one-pot reaction to 3-pyrrolines from Examples 6 to 7 are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 One-pot reaction from cis-2-butene-1,4-diol to 3-pyrrolines. No. 1,4-diols amines products yields 6

89.5% 7

92.0%

Example 8 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Solvent: Acetone)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 17.0 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 97.0%) was obtained.

Example 9 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Solvent: Methanol)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of methanol in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature without irradiation by lamps. After completion, methanol was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.9 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 96.7%) was obtained.

Example 10 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Acid: Methanesulfonic Acid)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 13.1 g (0.24 mol) of methanesulfonic acid (produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.6 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 94.7%) was obtained.

Example 11 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Acid: p-Chlorobenzenesulfonic Acid)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 46.2 g (0.24 mol) of p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid (produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.8 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 95.9%) was obtained.

Example 12 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Acid: 2-Mesitylenesulfonic Acid Dihydrate)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 56.7 g (0.24 mol) of 2-mesitylenesulfonic acid dihydrate (produced by Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc.), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.6 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 94.7%) was obtained.

Example 13 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a Pyrex round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 4.9 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 28.0%) was obtained and 11.9 g (yield 75.0%) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline was recovered.

Example 14 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a Pyrex round flask reactor, 47.6 g (0.20 mol) of Na₂S₂O₈ (sodium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 4.5 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 23.3%) was obtained and 11.9 g (yield 75.0%) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline was recovered.

Example 15 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 10.5 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 54.4%) was obtained and 6.4 g (yield 40.0%) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline was recovered.

Example 16 1-Benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.6 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine (yield 94.7%) was obtained and 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline was not recovered.

The results in the epoxidation to 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine from Examples 8 to 16 are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Epoxidation of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline to 1-benzyl-3,4-epoxypyrrolidine. time, irradiation yields No. acids oxidants solvents temp. condition (recovered)  8 98% H₂SO₄ m-CPBA acetone 10 h, none 97.0% r. t.  9 98% H₂SO₄ m-CPBA MeOH 10 h, none 96.7% r. t. 10 CH₃SO₃H m-CPBA acetone 10 h, none 94.7% r. t. 11

m-CPBA acetone 10 h, r. t. none 95.9% 12

m-CPBA acetone 10 h, r. t. none 94.7% 13 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ acetone 10 h, Pyrex 28.0% r. t. 500 W Xe (75.0%) 14 98% H₂SO₄ Na₂S₂O₈ acetone 10 h, Pyrex 23.3% r. t. 500 W Xe (75.0%) 15 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ acetone 10 h, quartz 54.4% r. t. 500 W Xe (40.0%) 16 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ acetone 5 d, quartz 94.7% r. t. 500 W Xe

Example 17 1-Benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at 40° C. without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 17.4 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (yield 90.0%) was obtained.

Example 18 1-Benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (Acid: Methanesulfonic Acid)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 13.1 g (0.24 mol) of methanesulfonic acid (produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at 40° C. without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. And then after the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.6 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (yield 85.9%) was obtained.

Example 19 1-Benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (Acid: p-Chlorobenzenesulfonic Acid)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 46.2 g (0.24 mol) of p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid (produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at 40° C. without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.8 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (yield 86.9%) was obtained.

Example 20 1-Benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (Acid: 2-Mesitylenesulfonic Acid Dihydrate)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of l-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 56.7 g (0.24 mol) of 2-mesitylenesulfonic acid dihydrate (produced by Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc.), 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a round flask reactor, 31.1 g (0.13 mol) of 70% m-CPBA (m-chloroperbenzoic acid produced by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 10 hours at 40° C. without irradiation by lamps. After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 16.6 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (yield 85.9%) was obtained.

Example 21 1-Benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (Irradiation Condition)

To the solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at ambient temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After completion, acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, neutralized by NaOH (aq), and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 17.4 g of 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (yield 90.0%) was obtained and 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline was not recovered.

The results in the one-pot reaction to 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine from Examples 17 to 21 are summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 One-pot reaction from 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline to 1-benzyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine. time, irradiation No. acids oxidants solvents temp. condition yields 17 98% H₂SO₄ m-CPBA acetone 10 h, none 90.0% 40° C. 18 CH₃SO₃H m-CPBA acetone 10 h, none 85.9% 40° C. 19

m-CPBA acetone 10 h, 40° C. none 86.9% 20

m-CPBA acetone 10 h, 40° C. none 85.9% 21 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ acetone 5 d, quartz 90.0% 40° C. 500 W Xe

Example 22 1-Benzyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). 57.9 g (0.3 mol) of 28 wt % NaOMe in methanol solution (produced by Katayama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was continuously added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours under reflux. After completion, acetone and methanol were evaporated under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 15.8 g of 1-benzyl-4-methoxy-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 76.0%) was obtained.

Example 23 1-Benzyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄ ₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After evaporation of acetone under reduced pressure, continuously 32.1 g (0.3 mol) of benzylamine (produced by Katayama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours at 100° C. After completion, excess benzylamine was removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 20.9 g of 1-benzyl-4-benzylamino-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 74.0%) was obtained.

Example 24 1-Benzyl-4-diethylamino-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄ ₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). 21.9 g (0.3 mol) of diethylamine (produced by Katayama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was continuously added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours under reflux. After completion, acetone and excess diethylamine were evaporated under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 18.4 g of 1-benzyl-4-diethylamino-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 73.9%) was obtained.

Example 25 1-Benzyl-4-phenylthio-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). After evaporation of acetone under reduced pressure, continuously, 13.2 g (0.12 mol) of benzenethiol (produced by produced by Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc.) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours at 100° C. After completion, the reaction mixture was extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 20.2 g of 1-benzyl-4-phenylthio-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 70.9%) was obtained.

Example 26 1-Benzyl-4-methylthio-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, 15.0 g of water, and 60.0 g of acetone in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). 14.4 g (0.3 mol) of methanethiol (produced by produced by Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc.) was continuously added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours under reflux. After completion, acetone and excess diethylamine were evaporated under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 14.3 g of 1-benzyl-4-methylthio-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 63.9%) was obtained.

Example 27 1-Benzyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, and 60.0 g of THF in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). 300 mL (0.30 mol) of 1 mol/L methyllithium (MeLi) in diethyl ether solution (produced by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) was continuously added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After completion, water was added to destroy excess MeLi at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. Acetone and diethyl ether were evaporated under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 14.5 g of 1-benzyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 76.0%) was obtained.

Example 28 1-Benzyl-4-phenyl-3-pyrrolidinol (Irradiation Condition)

To a solution of 15.9 g (0.1 mol) of 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline, 12.0 g (0.12 mol) of 98% sulfuric acid, and 60.0 g of THF in a quartz round flask reactor, 45.6 g (0.20 mol) of (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ (ammonium peroxydisulfate produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added with stirring and allowed to react for 5 days at room temperature with irradiation by 500W Xe lamps (UXL-500D xenon lamp produced by Ushio). 300 mL (0.30 mol) of 1 mol/L phenyllithium (PhLi) in cyclohexane-diethyl ether solution (produced by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) was continuously added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 5 hours at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. After completion, water was added to destroy excess PhLi at about 5° C. using an ice-bath. Acetone and diethyl ether were evaporated under reduced pressure, and extracted with toluene and water. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, 19.3 g of 1-benzyl-4-phenyl-3-pyrrolidinol (yield 76.3%) was obtained.

The results in the one-pot reaction to 1-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinols from Examples 21 to 28 are summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 One-pot reaction from 1-benzyl-3-pyrroline to 1-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinols No. acids oxidants nucleophiles products yields 21 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ H₂O 1-benzyl-3,4- 90.0% dihydroxy- pyrrolidine 22 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ NaOMe 1-benzyl-4- 76.0% methoxy-3- pyrrolidinol 23 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ PhCH₂NH₂ 1-benzyl-4- 74.0% benzylamino-3- pyrrolidinol 24 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ Et₂NH 1-benzyl-4- 73.9% diethylamino-3- pyrrolidinol 25 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ PhSH 1-benzyl-4- 70.9% phenylthio-3- pyrrolidinol 26 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ MeSH 1-benzyl-4- 63.9% methylthio-3- pyrrolidinol 27 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ MeLi 1-benzyl-4- 76.0% methyl-3- pyrrolidinol 28 98% H₂SO₄ (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ PhLi 1-benzyl-4- 76.3% phenyl-3- pyrrolidinol 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a pyrrolidine compound of formula (1)

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an acyl group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfide group, a sulfinyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfamide group, or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group, unsubstituted or substituted; R² and R³ each independently represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted; and Nu is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl, alkoxyl and amino, unsubstituted or substituted; comprising oxidizing a compound of formula (3)

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an acyl group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfide group, a sulfinyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfamide group, or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted; R² and R³ each independently represent a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, unsubstituted or substituted; with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said pyrrolidine compound is a 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine, wherein Nu is a hydroxy group, and wherein said 3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine is produced at a temperature of about 30 to 100° C. in the presence of water.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said pyrrolidine compound is a 4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol, wherein Nu is an amino group wherein said amino group is —NH₂ or substituted, and wherein said 4-amino-3-pyrrolidinol is obtained by oxidizing said compound of formula (3) with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid at about 0 to 30° C., and thereafter reacting with at least one corresponding amine in the presence of water at about 30 to 100° C.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said pyrrolidine compound is a 4-alkoxy-3-pyrrolidinol, wherein Nu is an alkoxy group, and wherein said 4-alkoxy-3-pyrrolidinol is obtained by oxidizing said compound of formula (3) with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid at about 0 to 30° C., and thereafter reacting with at least one alcohol at about 30 to 100° C.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said peroxide is selected from the group consisting of a peroxymonosulfuric acid, peroxymonosulfate of formula (4): M_(x)H_(y)(SO₅)_(z)  (4) wherein M is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an element of 3A in the periodic table, or an ammonium group of formula (6); and each of x, y, and z are integers from 0-3 provided the relation x+y=2z is satisfied, a peroxydisulfuric acid, and a peroxydisulfate of formula (5): M_(x)H_(y)(S₂O₈)_(z)  (5) wherein M is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an element of 3A in the periodic table, or an ammonium group having formula (6):

wherein R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group, and each of x, y and z are integers from 0-3 provided the relation x+y=2z is satisfied.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound of formula (3) is oxidized with at least one peroxide in the presence of at least one acid and ultraviolet light.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound of formula (3) is synthesized by cyclization between at least one cis-2-butene compound of formula (7):

wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are each independently hydrogen or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, unsubstituted or substituted; and A¹ and A² are each independently halogen or a sulfonyloxy group; and at least one primary amine of formula (8): R¹⁰—NH₂  (8) wherein R¹⁰ is an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said cis-2-butene compound of formula (7) is synthesized from a cis-2-butene-1,4-diol of formula (9):

wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said cis-2-butene compound of formula (7) is synthesized by reacting said cis-2-butene-1,4-diol of formula (9) with at least one halogenation reagent of formula 10: R¹³SO₂A  (10), wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group substituted or unsubstituted and A³ is a halogen, in the presence of at least one base.
 10. A method of synthesizing 3-pyrrolines comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a cis-2-butene-1,4-diol of formula (9) with at least one halogenation reagent in the presence of at least one base to form at least one cis-2-butene compound of formula (7):

wherein R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently a hydrogen, a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, unsubstituted or substituted and wherein A¹ and A² are each independently a halogen or a sulfonyloxy group and (b) cyclizing said cis-2-butene compound of formula (7)

with at least one primary amine of formula (8): R¹⁰—NH₂  (8) wherein R¹⁰ is an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said base is a tertiary amine.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said halogenation reagent is a sulfonyl halide of formula (10): R¹³SO₂A³  (10) wherein R¹³ represents a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted; and A³ is a halogen.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein said steps are performed continuously.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said base is a tertiary amine.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said halogenation reagent is a sulfonyl halide of formula (10): R¹³SO₂A³  (10) wherein R¹³ represents a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group unsubstituted or substituted; and A³ is a halogen. 